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This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coastal archaeological sites to marine and aeolian processes, e.g. wave erosion, temporary flooding, wind erosion, etc. The methodology allows defining different degree of vulnerability, taking into account both the potential impacts of the physical processes and the architectural characteristics of the investigated archaeological structures. The method is based on the application of specific vulnerability matrices, accurately defined for each coastal zone (i.e. the backshore, foreshore, nearshore and offshore) where archaeological sites are actually located. Results allow identifying the vulnerability level of each specific site and the index therefore represents an operative tool for the definition of most suitable management actions for the protection and conservation of the archaeological heritage. In order to provide a first application of the proposed methodology, all coastal archaeological sites located in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) have been investigated. The results are presented as a vulnerability map and highlight as seven archaeological sites present a high vulnerability level, four of which are located in two submerged archaeological parks (Underwater Archaeological parks of Baia and Gaiola). The other three sites (Terma Ginnasio, Pezzolo and Tiberio villas, 1st century BC) have no legal protection and therefore they require priority monitoring programs and preservation actions. • The vulnerability of archaeological sites to coastal processes was evaluated. • Marine and aeolian processes acting in each coastal zone were considered. • A set of vulnerability matrices was proposed for each coastal environment. • A management strategy for the archaeological sites in the Gulf of Naples (Italy) was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper is a combined study on the medium and short-term evolution of the littoral between Chipiona and Rota (SW Spain). The analysis of coastal evolution over a period of 24 years (i.e. medium-term), was carried out using six, well temporally spaced, photogrammetric flights. Cliff top and dune toe were used as shoreline indicators to solve problems related to the use of watermark in tidal environments. Short-term littoral variations were monitored monthly by means of an electronic theodolite over a period of 2 years. The width variations of the dry beach were surveyed by always using a constant, average value for the mean sea level position derived from the numerous surveys carried out. The obtained data was representative of both seasonal and annual variations. Over medium-term, most of the littoral recorded erosion, while accretion has been recorded over recent years in the southern part. Coastal erosion was related to the impact of several storms and dune accretion was linked to the action of eastern winds. Over the short-term time frame, about the same percentage of coastal erosion and accretion was recorded. Most of the important accretion trends were observed at the central and southern parts of the littoral, the largest amount of erosion being recorded in the southern end of the littoral, in a nourished beach. All the studied beaches (except Punta Candor dunes) showed more short-term changes than medium-term ones, because of different factors, essentially the great seasonal variability of the studied beaches. The partial discrepancy between the medium and the short-term trends was related to the applied methodology, which demonstrates the problem of comparing different coastal features (dunes and cliffs on one hand, and beaches on the other) and to the implications of 2–3 years of lasting fair weather conditions that favoured beach and dune accretion, within an historical retreat tendency related to storm actions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]